Outline

Overview

In this unit of study students will build on the knowledge and skills introduced in NURS1009 Foundational Nursing Practice (or NURS1002 Health Assessment) and further develop their understanding of clinical judgement in practice and the role of nurses in providing holistic and culturally safe person-centred care to those experiencing hospitalisation. This knowledge will be extended to incorporate the experience of caring for people where surgery is required and students will further develop skills in physical assessment, communication, and documentation. All learning experiences in this unit focus on providing effective and safe care to people from diverse cultural and social population groups.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	NURS1002 or NURS1009
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Belinda Clough, belinda.clough@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Assessment 6: Final exam Short and medium length answers	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Assessment 5: Off-campus clinical placement Clinical placement	0%	Multiple weeks	80 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Assessment 1 (Early feedback task): medication calculation module Canvas modules and quiz.	0%	Week 02 Due date: 16 Aug 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Aug 2026	Practice modules and quiz	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Assessment 2: Medication Calculation Quiz Medication calculation test	0%	Week 04 Due date: 24 Aug 2026 at 08:00	40 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assessment 3: Case Study Report & Patient Education Session Surgical patient case study report and recorded patient education session	50%	Week 08 Due date: 27 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Sep 2026	1500 word report and 5 minute video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Assessment 4: Clinical performance appraisal Clinical skills assessment	0%	Week 12 Due date: 30 Oct 2026 at 22:00	35 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment 1 - Early feedback task: The students will undertake听a medication calculation practice module on Canvas by the end of Week 2 to prepare for Assessment 2 and ensure early feedback is obtained.听
Assessment 2 - Medication calculation test: The goal of this assessment is for听students to demonstrate the ability to calculate medication听dosages correctly to ensure patient safety.
Assessment 3听- Case Study Report & Patient Education Session:听In this assessment, students are required to utilise, analyse and synthesise evidence-based literature about post-operative complications, in relation to a patient case study.听Based on this, students will record a patient education session about their particular post-operative complication, utilising communication skills and person-centred educational principles.听
Assessment 4听- Clinical performance appraisal (on-campus): Students will be required to safely demonstrate two clinical nursing skills developed and practiced throughout the semester, including appropriate communication and documentation in response to a patient scenario.听
Assessment 5听- Final exam: The aim of this assessment is for the students听to demonstrate, in writing, their听understanding of the various aspects of care of the person undergoing surgery. The exam structure will be in the format of case scenarios with associated short/long answer questions with content.
Assessment 6听- Clinical placement (off-campus): Students will undertake an 80 hour听clinical placement in an acute surgical setting听off-campus, practicing the skills and principles learnt throughout the unit of study.听

Please note:听Each student is required to submit all assessment items, and each submission needs to be of an assessable standard, in order to be eligible to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

听

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Grade	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the听Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties as per university policy - 5% deduction per calendar day up to 10 days.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website听provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the听Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)听which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a听simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for听special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听听includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy听reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Clinical placement	Placement (80 hr)
Week 01	1. Unit Intro 2. Introduction to medication management	Lecture (2 hr)
	1. Principles of medication administration; 2. Medication calculations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Administration of oral medications	Practical (2 hr)
Week 02	Administration of scheduled medications and eye/ear/topical medications	Practical (2 hr)
Week 03	Pre-operative care and consent to healthcare treatment;	Lecture (2 hr)
	Pre-operative care: assessment and preparation Introduction to intravenous fluids and drip rate calculations	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Intravenous fluid administration via gravity flow	Practical (2 hr)
Week 04	Medication Calculation Quiz	Assessment (1 hr)
Week 04	Preoperative care simulation	Practical (2 hr)
Week 05	Intraoperative nursing roles and care to maintain patient safety	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Surgical hand-washing and PPE	Practical (2 hr)
Week 06	Postoperative care: general assessment and management	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Person-centred postoperative care and patient education	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Post-operative care: Wound management	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Aseptic technique	Practical (2 hr)
Week 08	Post-operative care: Respiratory management	Lecture (2 hr)
	Postoperative oxygen therapy, drains and surgical pathways	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Postoperative nursing care	Practical (2 hr)
Week 09	Postoperative care: acute pain management	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Pain assessment and nursing care plans for surgical patients	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Transitions of Care 2. Revision + exam, CPA and placement preparation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Simulation exercise/CPA practice	Practical (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The Sydney Nursing School Attendance and Participation Provisions (2026) provide the framework for attendance and participation requirements across all coursework programs. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with these provisions, which outline their responsibilities for attending and participating in required learning activities, as well as the processes to follow if they are unable to attend.

View the SNS Attendance and Participation Provisions (2026):

听

Attendance BN [AS]

Students are expected to attend, engage and participate in all scheduled classes and required learning activities. Students must notify the school if they are, or will be, unable to attend a required learning activity; and apply for special consideration or special arrangements; or have an academic plan with relevant adjustments, where appropriate. Students must apply for Special Consideration for absence from any scheduled required learning activity which includes an assessment.听 For additional information, please review the policy

Attendance and participation are monitored.

Students should attend and participate in all required learning activities in person, except for (a) pre-recorded lectures, which students may view in their own time; and (b) other sessions as specified by the unit coordinator. Students who fail to attend a required learning activity will be recorded as absent.
Students must attend/participate in any live/synchronous听lectures,听and view any recorded lectures, specified as compulsory per unit of study.
Any anticipated absences or late arrivals should be clearly communicated to your unit of study coordinator as soon as possible. Your email should clearly state your name and the day and time you will be absent and should be emailed via your university email address; your unit of study coordinator will advise you accordingly.

听Students must attend/participate in minimum听90% of all听tutorial classes听scheduled per unit of study. At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from tutorials due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence. Any unexplained absences are a breach of professionalism, and a potential risk of not passing the unit of study. Not meeting attendance requirements could lead to an Absent Fail grade and referral to the School鈥檚 Student Professionalism Committee.

听听 (i) maximum two tutorial absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed.

听听 (ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded.

Students must attend/participate in听all practical classes听(simulation labs and/or workshops) scheduled per unit of study.
At the discretion of the Unit of Study Coordinator, where relevant, an alternative (catch-up) learning activity may be approved and provided to students absent from practical classes due to unforeseen circumstances or with an approved planned absence: (i) maximum two practical class absences permitted per unit of study where an approved alternative (catch-up) learning activity is completed. (ii) where a student satisfactorily completes an approved alternative learning activity, this will be recorded.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See 鈥淩eading List鈥� on NURS1008听Canvas site

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate understanding and application of culturally safe and person-centred nursing practices that occur in the hospital environment.
LO2. Use appropriate professional language and communication strategies to communicate effectively and build respectful interpersonal relationships with people for shared decision-making.
LO3. Demonstrate clinical reasoning skills required for the safe and holistic care of people experiencing an acute disruption to health requiring surgery.
LO4. Evaluate and apply research evidence and other forms of knowledge to nursing practice with people during the perioperative period.
LO5. Understand and apply clinical governance, legal guidelines, and ethical principles to nursing practice in the hospital environment and when working with people during the perioperative period.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person鈥檚 dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights 2.3. Recognises that people are the experts in the experience of their life 2.5. Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person鈥檚 autonomy and legal capacity 3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people鈥檚 control over health 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.6. Maintains accurate, comprehensive and timely documentation of assessments, planning, decision- making, actions and evaluations 2.1. Establishes, sustains and concludes relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships 2.2. Communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person鈥檚 dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights 2.4. Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions 2.5. Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person鈥檚 autonomy and legal capacity 2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 4.1. Conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate 4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice 4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral 4.4. Assesses the resources available to inform planning. 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan 5.2. Collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons 5.3. Documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes 5.4. Plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement 5.5. Coordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.2. Practises within their scope of practice 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 6.6. Uses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards 7.1. Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes 7.2. Revises the plan based on the evaluation 7.3. Determines, documents and communicates further priorities, goals and outcomes with the relevant persons
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 4.4. Assesses the resources available to inform planning. 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
	Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - 1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice 1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice 1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures 1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions 1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions 2.7. Actively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person- centered care 3.3. Uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others 3.4. Accepts accountability for decisions, actions, behaviours and responsibilities inherent in their role, and for the actions of others to whom they have delegated responsibilities 5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan 6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people 6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation 6.6. Uses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

One assessment has been removed to reduce the number of assessments. Changes to the assessments and minor changes to class content have been made to align with the new curriculum and in response to student feedback. Additional practice resources have been added to support students in preparing for the medication calculation test.

Additional information

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University鈥檚 Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University鈥檚听Privacy Statement.

Sensitive materials in teaching:听Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice.

You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them. 听

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

NURS1008: Foundations of Perioperative Nursing Practice

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links